Are you ready to journey around the globe? If so, get prepared for an adventure with a dental twist. The legends of the tooth fairy and various tooth loss traditions for kids have delighted children and families for centuries. Nowadays, these enchanting stories help make the experience of losing baby teeth both exciting and memorable for kids. Are you curious to discover some of the most delightful and surprising tooth fairy tales from all corners of the world? Let’s get exploring!
The Tooth Fairy in the United States and English-Speaking Countries
You probably already know this tale quite well. In the United States, as well as in many other English-speaking nations, there is a magical tradition involving the tooth fairy. Children are encouraged to slip their lost baby teeth under their pillow before going to sleep. During the night, the tooth fairy appears, retrieves the tooth, and in exchange, leaves behind a small sum of money.
Tooth Traditions in Asia: China, Japan, India, Korea, and Vietnam
Next, this journey takes us to several Asian countries where the customs are quite different — and a bit more hands-on! In China, Japan, India, Korea, and Vietnam, children participate in a unique ritual. If a tooth falls out from the lower jaw, it is thrown onto the roof. If it comes from the upper jaw, the child tosses it onto the floor or buries it underground. The belief is that the new tooth will grow in the direction of the old one.
This tradition is often accompanied by a wish that the new tooth will be as strong and everlasting as a mouse’s tooth. In these cultures, mice are admired for their teeth, which never stop growing.
The Tale of Ratoncito Pérez in Spain and Hispanic Countries
In Spain and other Hispanic countries, the tooth fairy takes the form of an adorable mouse known as Ratoncito Pérez. In these regions, children leave their lost teeth under their pillow, and Ratoncito Pérez visits during the night to collect them, leaving behind gifts or coins as a reward. Some children even place their lost tooth in a glass of water, believing that the tooth mouse will drink the water and leave a surprise in the glass as a thank you for the tooth.
Unusual Customs in Mongolia
Mongolia offers a truly one-of-a-kind approach to baby teeth rituals. There, it is customary to wrap a lost tooth in fat and feed it to a dog. The hope is that the new adult tooth will be as robust and healthy as the dog’s own teeth. (Of course, it is important to remember not to try this at home, since a lost tooth could pose a choking hazard to your pet!)
If there is no dog nearby, Mongolian families may choose instead to bury the tooth close to a tree, symbolizing the wish that new teeth will grow strong and secure, just like the roots of a tree.
Other Fascinating Tooth Fairy Traditions Worldwide
Almost every country has its own twist on the adventure of losing baby teeth. For example, in South Africa, children do not use pillows for their teeth. Instead, they tuck their lost tooth into a cozy slipper. In Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt, children toss their teeth skyward, a practice that can be traced all the way back to the 13th century.
What tooth fairy traditions are you passing on to your kids? Regardless of which one you choose, it can be a fun way to celebrate your child’s progress toward adulthood.
Meet the Practice
At Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr, Lily and our team offer a range of oral health services for infants, kids, and teens. We love to help young smiles thrive, and we do so in a welcoming environment. If it is time for your child’s next checkup, or you have concerns about their oral health, we would love to serve you. Contact our Garland office at 469-925-0861.